Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.1.4 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHear Kṛṣṇa’s glories from qualified devotees
“Glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is performed in the paramparā system, that is, it is conveyed from the spiritual master to disciple. Such glorification is relished by those no longer interested in the false, temporary glorification of this cosmic manifestation. Descriptions of the Lord are the right medicine for the conditioned soul undergoing repeated birth and death. Therefore, who will cease hearing such glorification of the Lord except a butcher or one who is killing his own self?”
What the purport teaches
- Glorification of the Lord is conveyed through the paramparā system, from spiritual master to disciple. Heard from liberated persons, it is medicine for repeated birth and death.
- A devotee speaks Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam only to serve the Lord, not for personal gain. We should hear from realized devotees rather than those who distort the meaning for their own purposes.
- Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and understanding this fact brings liberation. Attachment to sense enjoyment and material opulence obstructs resolute determination in devotional service.
Try this today
Read a short passage of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s purport today with the conscious intention of learning to serve Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Am I hearing about Kṛṣṇa with a desire to serve Him, or mainly for some material benefit?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.